Brand new Indie rock band, Fora, releases their debut EP, The Gathering. Hailing from Salinas, Calif., this three-piece band has a lot to offer. With a melodic rock sound and a heart for...
New five-piece pop/rock worship band, Cadence, releases their first EP, Awake, in hopes that listeners will be drawn into God's presence, and as a result, can't help but worship Him....
Alabama native Nick Gill is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who recently signed with Rock Ridge Music. Releasing his fourth album (but his first with the label) Waves Are Only Water, Gill...
As a worship leader, Dustin Smith's number one aim is help people encounter God's presence, leading them to worship Him with all of their being. You Are The Fire accomplishes this through songs constructed purely for bringing praise to the only One who deserves it. Recorded live, this project brings the contagious celebration directly from the church to wherever you are, making any place this album is heard, filled with the presence of God.
"Yahweh" starts the album off with high energy and straight up worship. Since the project was recorded live, you can hear the crowd singing along and celebrating as Smith sings the chorus, "You're the King of Glory / Strong and mighty / Yahweh, Yahweh." Right off the bat, it's clear this is going to be a time of pure praise to the One from His church.
Slowing things down a bit, "Lord Of All" still contains the worship and praise found throughout the album, while taking the energy level down a notch. Smith and the crowd sing the chorus, "With our hands held high / Every face turned to the sky / As we crown You Lord Of All." With guitars, drums, and keyboard, it's interesting how even the slower songs still contain the feeling of celebration heard in previous tracks.
Title track, "You Are The Fire," starts off subdued, but definitely amps up as it continues into the chorus. Smith sings, "Let it burn, let it burn now / Oh from the inside out / Let it rage, let it rage now / You are the fire, You are the fire" and with every verse, reminds us how God's character is like a fire. As a result, we are the flames – an extension of His character and love.
Closing Thoughts:
On Dustin Smith's You Are The Fire, each track goes from one praise song right into the next, just like you're at a worship service. It even includes Smith's prayers and encouraging words inserted between songs, not to mention the crowd's responses and singing along in celebration. Basically, if you want to attend a worship service without leaving your living room or car, pop this baby in and you're there.
Gabriel Wilson's debut full-length solo project, The McGuire Side, is the interesting life-story of a man dealing with the familiar struggle of growing up in a broken home, seeking to find the other half of his identity. Titled after his father's side of the family, Wilson reflects on his personal experiences as he sings and strums his way through every track.
"I hope and pray this record will inspire reconciliation--fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and beyond," said Wilson, the former front man of Rock & Roll Worship Circus. "And I hope that anyone dealing with feelings of loss or abandonment will hear that good old-fashioned Gospel message here: God is real, His love is perfect and when we find our identity and peace in Him we can then extend grace and mercy to those around us--even as they extend the same to us."
Starting off with title track, "The McGuire Side," Wilson quietly plucks at his guitar strings as he shares the story of growing up without a father. The raw sound of his vocals and comes through as he sings, "Momma raised me / And Jesus was my dad / But I was cool with that." With just a voice and a guitar, the first track sets the stage for not only the Americana sound of the album, but the introspective tone as well.
"Rocking Chair" is a quiet, melancholy song about a mother explaining to her son that the leaving of his father may be difficult, but they'll get through it because, "Our God is strong and He'll never leave you." As the song starts to slow, it progresses right into the next track "Hold Your Head Up." The tone suddenly gets more hopeful and upbeat with added percussion, vocals, and strings as Wilson sings, "After the winter / There's always a spring / Out comes the sunshine / Gonna change everything / No matter the struggle / No matter how dark / Baby the sunshine's gonna bring / Peace to your heart." This just shows the positive impact that knowing God's promises and relying on His truth can have on a situation.
There are several specifically spiritual songs towards the end of the album that are reminiscent of the old-time Gospel songs you'd hear in a country church. With added instruments like the organ and slide guitar, these tracks bring a unique feel to the later part of the album. Ending with the familiar hymn, "Amazing Grace," the intro is played by bagpipes and continued by piano and the rhythmic strumming of a guitar. Wilson adds the bridge, "How I love You, Lord / Because You first loved me / How I love You, Lord / Because You rescued me." This serves as a perfect ending to a story such as Wilson's and any story for that matter, reminding us that no matter our life-story, God's grace is always sufficient.
Closing Thoughts:
The McGuire Side is the genuine and hopeful story of Gabriel Wilson, as well as many others who have faced or are facing similar struggles in their lives. With an Americana feel and introspective tone, Wilson embraces his own experiences and sets them to music so that others can be encouraged to find their identity in Christ, and ultimately mend those broken relationships. I am truly thankful for honest artists like Wilson who are unafraid to touch on life's realities, so that others will know they're not alone.
Luke Dowler brings back the old school rock sounds of Rick Springfield and Bruce Springsteen with his Dream Records debut, Polarized. Touching on a variety of topics including personal relationships, spirituality, and current social issues, this album doesn’t skimp on honesty when it comes to what people are facing these days.
First track "American Girl”, as well as "No One Else”, are obviously about a love interest of Dowler’s and add a nice variety to the album. Keeping the rock feel with electric guitars, drums, and Dowler’s gritty vocals, the songwriter isn’t afraid to touch on personal topics, including his own relationships.
Not only does Dowler write about his relationships with people, but his relationship with God is also a topic of several tracks. "One Thing" and "Coming Alive" contain themes of worship and praise where the songwriter states God’s place is front and center in his life. In "Coming Alive", the chorus repeats "It's up with the morning / It breaks like the dawn / And everything inside is coming alive!" With high energy that’s uplifting and positive, this rock anthem reminds us there's hope in challenging situations because God can bring us back to life again.
Throughout the album, Dowler also broaches several social issues that are facing our country today. Tracks like "Gun", "Perseus" and "Polarized" share the songwriter's personal opinions on the struggles facing our world and how we can have an impact. Title track "Polarized" specifically looks at war and how it may be a result of the miscommunications in our own personal relationships.
After discussing some of his own experiences in struggling with communication, Dowler sings in the chorus, "These are some of the reasons we are at war / These are some of the reasons we all ignore." Dowler implies that perhaps communication problems in our personal, daily relationships and interactions with people, are the same reasons our world is at war. If we can fix how we handle misunderstandings in our own lives, perhaps we can keep from warring with each other on a much larger scale.
Closing Thoughts:
With a sound reminiscent of some of America's original rockers and a voice that sounds a lot like Jason Roy of Building 429, Luke Dowler joins the small group of Christian artists who aren't afraid to touch on topics most try to avoid. With honesty and social awareness, Polarized aims to cut through the shallowness of today's society and get to the heart of what's really going on.
This Band is Breathing Again | Posted August-13-2012
After over a year of major changes and reinvention, Remedy Drive releases Resuscitate to anxiously awaiting fans. In late 2010, frontman David Zach's brothers decided to leave life on the road, giving their blessing to continue on with the band, but leaving three empty spots. Zach was determined to find bandmates worthy to fill that void and according to longtime fans, he has. Releasing their first full-length album as a new foursome, Remedy Drive has proven they're not going anywhere and is poised to continue their mission of breathing life into a dying world.
With the first listen of track 1, "Better Than Life," it's immediately clear the unique sound of Remedy Drive hasn't diminished, even with all the recent changes. The song opens with the pretty plunking of a piano, quickly followed by symphonic electric guitars and drums. As Zach's familiar voice sings the passionate chorus, "I need You / You keep my heart beatin' / I need You / You keep my lungs breathin' / Cuz Your love is better than life," the unmistakable melodic, piano-driven rock and hopeful lyrics leave the listener reassured of the band's faithfulness to their original sound.
Title track and first single "Resuscitate Me" starts out with crunchy guitars and has more of a rock vibe than some others on the album. With a background chorus, Zach's gritty voice sings to God, "I need You to save me / It's not too late to resuscitate me / Don't let go / Your touch awaits me / It's not too late to resuscitate me!" As the energy builds and song progresses, it's clear this is definitely one of Remedy Drive's hardest songs on the album, which rock lovers will enjoy. With some of the guitar riffs, drum beats, and distorted vocals, this song could even be mistaken for something you might hear from Switchfoot.
Even with slower tracks like "God I Hope So", "What Are We Waiting For" and "Crystal Sea", lyrics continue to remain hopeful with an uplifting energy all their own. Containing a prevalence of piano and soaring guitar, every song has a solid truth for listeners to hold on to and be reminded of God's love for them, no matter what the world may bring their way.
"Glory" definitely has an electronic dance vibe that will get any audience moving, while final track, "Hold On," reverts back to the familiar piano-rock sound. As Zach is joined by a chorus of voices singing, "When everything is broken / Everything is gone / When there's nothing left to hold on to / You give me something better / More than just a feeling / You give me something real to hold on to", leaving us with the reminder that God is the only constant in our lives and He is all we need.
Closing Thoughts:
Despite the many changes and adjustments David Zach has had to make over the past year and a half to keep his vision for Remedy Drive alive, Resuscitate is evidence that the new foursome is on track to continue what was originally started over 10 years ago. While each new bandmate brings their own unique musicianship to the table, the familiar piano-driven melodies and hopeful lyrics that set Remedy Drive apart from their peers, remains front and center. After listening to Resuscitate, loyal and longtime fans can rest easy knowing the sound they've grown to love is still in good hands.
A New Sound From This 'Echo' | Posted August-13-2012
New band An Epic, No Less has an interesting story, not unlike their name, but those experiences are what's lead them to where they are today. Releasing their debut album Echo Of Love, has been a culmination of several paths coming together with one goal in mind – to help people in worship and prayer.
Frontman Todd Larson explains, "When it comes to my time on Earth, I know that I want to be seeking after the Kingdom of God. I want to help people in worship and prayer." This album does just that, but in a unique and refreshing way.
Opening track "We Need You" introduces the listener to a variety of electronic beats and symphonic sounds, reminiscent of Owl City. Both the music and lyrics are extremely upbeat and hopeful as Larson sings, "If You're hope for the broken, we are shattered glass, but there's a light that glows between the cracks… we need You, oh we need You!" Sometimes the simplest of truths is also the most impactful.
Lead single "Mercy Light" contains the same electronic drum beats, keyboards, and guitars as other songs on the album, but has a more reflective feel with less music and more vocals. Larson sings, "You're my mercy light in the darkest night, all I ask, don't hide Yourself from me." We've all felt those times when God seems distant and we plead with Him to reveal Himself. This song speaks directly to those feelings and the truth that God is always near.
"Echo Of Love" is the title track of the album, reiterating that as Christians, we are the "Echo Of Love," to the world. In one of the first lines of the song, Larson sings, "We are the hands, we are the feet, we are the love of God that people will meet."
As examples of God's love, we are responsible for making sure the love we show the world is one God would be proud of. What we do as Christians, should be an echo of what Jesus did for us on the cross. With reverberating drums and keyboard plunks, this song ebbs and flows as an anthem encouraging the church to live lives of love.
Closing Thoughts:
Fans of Owl City need to add An Epic, No Less to their list of new favorites. Combining an interesting and refreshing sound with simple yet profound lyrics, Echo Of Love is a shining example of worship that doesn't fit into a neat and tidy box. For this I am thankful and hope that more artists will follow An Epic, No Less in refusing to conform to what most consider, "normal worship music."
As long as there are unique and individual worshippers in the world, there will always be a need for a variety of worship music. Luckily for us, An Epic, No Less isn't your average worship band!
San Diego-based band, Future of Forestry, releases Young Man Follow, continuing their unusual ambient melodic rock sound. Front man Eric Owyoung's unique voice and an added combination of instrumental sounds, make it difficult to compare the band's musical stylings with anything else. It's easy to see why Future Of Forestry has been around for years and continues to provide listeners with extraordinary albums.
Title track "Young Man Follow" starts off the album with electronic sounds echoing and tinny guitar strums as Owyoung sings the chorus, "The time has come / old man callin' / so be strong / young man follow." The song is a bit slow moving, but contains a sense that this is only the beginning of an album that has much to offer.
Second track, "Come Alive" starts with rhythmic piano, as quiet drums and steel guitar enter, adding an interesting and unexpected atmosphere of sound. Owyoung sings the chorus, "Come alive / Don't let go / Love will be enough / You're stronger than you know…You are not alone." Ending with just the plunk of a piano, this song, like many others on the album, carries the same background rhythms throughout and progressively adds layers of sound, finally ending simply and just as it began.
"Feeling" is a bit more upbeat and contains a variety of sounds including xylophone, synthesizer, guitar, drums, and keyboard. The song itself is lyrically simple with Owyoung repeating, "I'm feelin' / Like I'm home again." There's something hopeful about this song and a little reminiscent of The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony".
Final song "Love Be Your Mantra" starts out with just strumming guitars and Owyoung's voice. The recording sounds unplugged and like something you would hear live. As the song progresses, hand drums and even accordion are added, giving it a bit of a folksy americana flare. The chorus goes, "Take what you're granted / Love be your mantra / Take what you're handed / Love be your mantra," perhaps encouraging us to make loving others the goal no matter what life brings.
Closing Thoughts:
Though Future Of Forestry doesn't seem to touch on many spiritual topics lyrically, the sounds they produce are quite ethereal and soothing, which almost leave the listener feeling surrounded by something otherworldly. It's quite difficult to accurately describe the sound of Future Of Forestry, which is a compliment to their uniqueness and the niche they've established as a band. Young Man Follow is definitely worth a listen and would be a great addition to any music collection, especially those looking for something out of the ordinary.
This Rocket Launches Your Summer Soundtrack | Posted June-11-2012
The Rocket Summer's Bryce Avary is a one-man music making machine! Not only does he write, sing, and produce every song on his records, he plays every instrument as well. With his newest album Life Will Write The Words, Avary has taken on an even bigger role by releasing it independently. With piano-driven rock melodies and passionate vocals, this album is the perfect soundtrack to your summer.
"Run and Don't Stop" is the perfect name for this first track because the song's energy starts and doesn't stop until it's over. Featuring Avary's signature vocals, hard and fast drumbeats, electric guitars, and a passion that can be felt in every lyric, this song is the perfect introduction to what will be a great listen all the way through.
Following right behind track 1 is "Revival," the beginning of which leads the listener to believe things are going to get a little more subdued because of the solo piano and vocals, but quickly the energy returns with a vengeance. Through the piano, electronic beats and guitars Avary sings, "You're gonna make it out of here, let the revival rattle me, open my eyes, it's so good!" We all need a revival once in a while to breathe life back into our dying spirits and if this song doesn't do that, I'm not sure what will.
Not every track is quite as high-energy as the first two, but even the more reserved "Soldier" and "Scrapbook" still carry the passion and upbeat sound heard throughout the album. With strumming guitars and piano plunking, each song contains a feeling and message all its own.
"Circa ‘46" is super catchy with keyboard beats and hand-clapping as Avery sings, "Life will write the words, you choose your own melody, life has given me hurt, but I choose my own melody... I'm just trying to find the right notes."
After 3 minutes of an upbeat energetic melody, the song ends quietly with only vocals and piano plunks as Avary humbly sings, "A misty-eyed stranger said the song's words inspired, if they really knew would it break their hearts, that there's dirt that my soul keeps, if there's any good in me, it comes from the grace of my Father." I think this song not only sums up the mission of the entire record, but the artist himself.
Closing Thoughts:
After listening to The Rocket Summer's Life Will Write The Words, I'm still trying to figure out how one person can be so talented vocally and musically, creative enough to make every song uniquely different, and still have the energy to tour and produce his own record! How is Bryce Avary not taking continuous naps when he's not writing or recording? I haven't seen The Rocket Summer live, but this album makes me want to. It was difficult to choose which songs to write about because they're all amazing, so just do yourself a favor and make it the soundtrack for your summer.
Award-winning Canadian worship artist Dan Macaulay releases From You, For You, inspired by Romans 11:36 that says, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!"
Each song reminds us that everything we have, do, and are is to bring glory to the One who created all things. Macaulay hopes this album will have a great impact on those who listen.
"I believe God is using the uncertain to heighten our awareness of the One certain thing that we desperately need more than ever—Him," he said. "I'm just helping people see that, make the connection, and turn their focus on Him to carry them through."
Starting off the album with title track "From You, For You," strings and piano open the song as Macaulay's voice enters singing, "It's Your voice that called me from darkness, it's Your love that set me free!" With an upbeat feel, the song represents the theme of the entire album in the chorus: "The circle is complete when I use what You give to bring You glory... Everything I have and everything I've got is from You, for You, God."
The next few tracks are slower and more contemplative. "Permanent" includes a choir and strong drum beats as the chorus sings, "You're faithful through and through, no one compares to You, in You our heart's content, 'cuz Your love is permanent." This song is a great reminder that no matter what happens, God's love for us never changes.
"Breathe In Me," written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick is a personal favorite of Macaulay's. In fact, Smith produced and played piano on the track himself. The chorus sings, "So breathe in me, I need You now, I've never felt so dead within, so breathe in me, and maybe somehow You can breathe new life in me again." It's easy to understand why this track means so much to Macaulay and is such a powerful reminder of how much we need God.
My favorite track on the album may be "Saving Grace (Come Thou Fount)," which is a remake of the hymn we all know. Unlike some remakes, Macaulay doesn't change a lot and stays true to the original hymn for the most part. He does add a bridge that sings "You've brought me this far, I know You'll lead me all the way home and Your faithfulness won't let me go," which is very reassuring to those struggling with circumstances beyond their control.
Closing Thoughts:
Throughout From You, For You, it's clear Dan Macaulay has a passion for God's people to draw nearer to Him when their lives are filled with darkness. Fans of Mark Schultz might enjoy this album's musical style and the truth it speaks is very uplifting. We regularly need reminded that our lives aren't about us, they're about the One who made us.
Kristene DiMarco may not be a well-known name in the Christian music world, but that could change with the release of her second full-length album, Safe Place. Leading worship at Bethel Church (in Redding, Calif.) and with Jesus Culture, DiMarco is a singer/songwriter with a unique voice and a passion for worship.
The first track, "Say Goodbye," doesn't sound like something you would expect from a worship leader. Featuring piano and a voice reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson or Regina Spektor, the song catches you off guard, but in a good way. DiMarco sings, "Say goodbye, say goodbye, for what you need is found in the heart of Me," talking about what our reaction should be when Jesus asks us to follow Him.
"Believer" carries the same pop vibe, but is a bit mellower, while still remaining upbeat. The chorus repeats, "You're the best believer in me, when I feel like I'm all used up, I'm tired of dreaming, you're more than enough, you're the best believer in me." This could easily be about God or even another close relationship, but regardless, the fact remains that when those who know us best, believe in us the most, this helps us believe in ourselves.
Most of the songs on this record are of a more reflective nature, containing piano, guitar, and soft drums. "Limitless" is for anyone who's ever gone through a hard time and felt hopeless. "I believe that You're limitless, I know that You're boundless Lord, if it feels like I've reached the end, I won't believe it." With vocals similar to that of Sara Groves, these lyrics are a reminder of what we know is true, even during those times when we don't feel it.
The title track, "Safe Place," begins with just guitar and vocals singing the chorus, "Dear Lord, come hold us secure, close to the safest place, out of the storm, dear Lord come, like a warm waterfall, wash over our wounds." As the song progresses, other voices join in, but it remains a very reflective and worshipful track. Though the song itself is very short, it's an extremely honest and genuine prayer that we all have.
Closing Thoughts:
With the variety of music and vocal styles already in Christian music, it's surprising to find something that hasn't already been heard before. Kristene DiMarco has a refreshing, unique style of worship that will uplift and encourage listeners of all ages. Fans of Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor or Sara Groves should definitely check out Safe Place. It's worship with a definite pop twist.
It's FIKE's Moment | Posted April-16-2012 Husband and wife worship duo Fike make their major label debut with The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For. Serving the past 10 years at Vanguard Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as worship leaders, Richie and Dana Fike bring a variety of musical styles to the table, appealing to churches and Christian radio alike.
Starting things off with title track, "The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For," Dana Fike sings about the day Jesus returns: "The morning lights, oh my soul, sing your song of praise to Him, He’s brought about the death of night, oh my soul, sing your song of praise to Him." The song begins with just piano, and a guitar strum and as the song progresses, the rest of the band joins in with increasing energy. The song culminates with the lyric, "All of creation will shout, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!"
Radio single, "Wait" has a catchy pop sound, appealing to the adult contemporary audience. Richie Fike sings the first line: "It never goes like I thought it should and that’s a real nice thing 'cuz the Lord is good, so I believe that the lesson of breaks is wait, wait a little longer," reminding us that sometimes God’s answer to our prayer is "wait," and that’s OK.
Several songs on the album are more reflective, with just guitar and vocals, adding variety for the listener. "Song of Sacrifice" has some really pretty harmonies that are reminiscent of something you would find on a Shane and Shane record. This may actually be my favorite song on the album .
"Behold Our God" changes things up a bit with more of a high-energy rock vibe. Electric guitars and drum beats ring out as Richie sings, "Higher than the highest peak, wider than the ocean deep, mighty in His majesty, behold our God."
The album ends with "That’s Why I Praise," which has more of a bluesy, soulful vibe containing a back-up gospel choir, guitars, and organ. Remembering the times when God has been faithful to him throughout his life, Richie sings: "That’s why I praise, that’s why I worship with all of my heart, You’ve been so good to me, that’s why I wanna be poured as an offering, giving You all that I’ve got."
Closing Thoughts:
Fike adds a diversity to worship albums already out there, but I’m honestly not sure I see many of these songs being sung during a church service. They may be too complicated vocally for the average congregation. However, I can definitely foresee this style of worship song doing very well on Christian radio. Containing alternating lead vocals and a variety of musical styles, tempos, and instruments, The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For is a good addition amid the plethora of worship albums already out there.
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